472 
NEW ARRANGEMENT OF 
apex : their substance is tender, pellucid, loosely reticu- 
lated, as in the Splachna. The nerve disappears beneath 
the summit. The perichsetial leaves are four or five in 
number, and are considerably smaller than the cauline 
ones. 
Obs. No plant that has come under our observation has 
so great a resemblance to this species as Splachnum tenue: 
the likeness is indeed so strong, that, to the naked eye, 
there is no difference, except in the lid, which, if it be 
wanting, leaves the microscope alone to determine between 
the two. With the assistance of that instrument there is 
no difficulty, if the peristome be present. 
Dr Hooker has figured this moss more correctly than 
any one else, and represented the approximation, or rather 
gemination, of the teeth with more truth than SchwyEGRi- 
CHEN. They are of a very line red, most remarkably long, 
longer even than the theca itself ; in the dry state they be- 
come reflexed, and tortuous in an extraordinary degree, 
contracting and expanding themselves with great rapidity 
on the application of the slightest degree of moisture or 
warmth. The fruit-stalk varies from one to two inches in 
length, and is smooih, solitary, erect, or slightly flexuose. 
The theca, when growing, is almost cylindrical, but in the 
process of drying often becomes nearly hemispherical *. 
The apophysis tapers so gradually downwards from the 
theca, that, being of the same colour, it seems at first sight 
a continuation of that part. 
Hab. On wet rocks in Norway, Switzerland, the south- 
ern Tyrolese Alps, and the sununits of the Carinthian 
mountains. 
* This also takes place not unfrequently in Splachnvm tenve. 
